Day 45. Lavacolla to Santiago

COMPLETO!!!!!! We made it to Santiago this morning at 9. We had 6 miles and we left at 615. Cool morning. Had to wear my puffy til we climbed our first hill. So surreal to finally be finishing our journey. We went to the church square first to get a few pictures before the crowd appeared and then to the pilgrims office to register. We were number 66 & 67 to finish. Yesterday they had 3202 pilgrims complete their journey. Anxious to see how many come in today. We found our home for the next 2 days and had breakfast. Then went back to the cathedral for Mass at noon. We were standing in line and I saw our friend Rachel from Korea. She was overcome with emotion. I ran over to give her a hug. So glad to see her in Santiago. Unfortunately, just as we got to the door, they had reached maximum capacity. We are hoping to get into the 730 mass this evening.
There was a huge event happening in the square today. A band set up and was playing. I loved the conductor! He was so expressive. It seems to be a celebration of cancer awareness. And on top of that, a wedding occurred and everyone applauded for them. An amazing place to be. We stopped at the Parador for a drink, cookies and chocolate sauce.
Steve is so relieved not to be carrying that pack anymore. Our room has a bathtub, so I know where I will be later! We ran into Beverly in line for Mass and then we saw a couple from France Martine and Jean Luc. We have run into them throughout the Camino, but because of language barrier, it’s been hard to communicate. But we knew what each was feeling today!
Such a surreal feeling. Very emotional, yet much happiness . Exhausting but exhilarating. So glad we have a few days here before we return home. Today we walked 8.4 miles (19219 steps). Today I am grateful for the completion of the Camino, grateful for the friendships along the Camino and grateful for the ability to allow my body to restRead more